One Cent Ticket To Change (Reggae Mix)
by DJ-M2
About this track
Story Behind the song (Reggae Mix) Who Was Viola Desmond? Viola Desmond was a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman and civil rights pioneer whose courageous stand against segregation in 1946 helped spark Canada’s civil rights movement. Her legacy is especially meaningful here in Nova Scotia, where her story unfolded and where she is now honoured on the Canadian $10 bill. - Born July 6, 1914, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. - One of 10 siblings, raised in a respected Black family active in community life. - Parents: - James Albert Davis — barber, formerly a stevedore. - Gwendolin Irene Davis — daughter of a minister from Connecticut. - As a child, she survived the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Becoming an Entrepreneur & Mentor - Not allowed to train as a beautician in Halifax because she was Black. - Traveled to Montreal, Atlantic City, and New York for training — including a school linked to Madam C.J. Walker. - Returned home to open Vi’s Studio of Beauty Culture in Halifax. - Founded the Desmond School of Beauty Culture, mentoring young Black women and building a thriving business The New Glasgow Incident (1946) This is the emotional core of the story — the moment your song will likely center on. - While traveling for business, her car broke down near New Glasgow. - With time to spare, she went to the Roseland Theatre. - She bought a ticket but was sold a balcony seat — the section designated for Black patrons. - She attempted to sit on the main floor, which was reserved for white patrons. - Staff demanded she move. She refused. - Police dragged her out, injured her hip, and jailed her overnight. - She was charged not with “breaking segregation laws” (because none existed on paper) but with an obscure tax offence — a one‑cent difference in ticket tax. The Aftermath & Legal Fight - The Black community in Nova Scotia rallied behind her. - Despite appeals, she lost the case — no lawyer properly defended her. - She was never pardoned in her lifetime. Legacy & Recognition - Her stand inspired future generations of Black Canadians and civil rights activism. - 2010: Granted a posthumous free pardon, the first of its kind in Canada. - 2018: Became the first Canadian-born woman to appear alone on a Canadian banknote — the $10 bill. - Named a National Historic Person in 2018.